I have used the Condors in powder, off-trail, moderately steep, as well as packed trails. I weigh 195 pounds. The shoes work very well in all conditions. They are not unduly cumbersome on the pack and they float on the powder. The ratchet heel strap works well--better that the previous Redfeather heel strap which was difficult to tighten on cross-country ski-touring boots.

Customer Service

No experience with customer service, but these shoes are well-built and I do not anticipate any repairs.

I obtained a closeout special on these shoes which makes the value super.

I've tried these out for snowboard mountaineering, and like the ratchet binding system a lot, but they're unnecessarily big. A good flats hiking snowshoe for a big guy like me, but not a climbing shoe.

Similar Products Used:

Verts

Bindings I highly recommend the Redfeather Condor for those that engage in winter backpacking. The ratchet binding is a HUGE advantage when you have to get into or out of the shoes with a loaded backpack. When walking, the binding action is controlled and resists toe “step through” or excess lateral rotating and yet is not overly restrictive while climbing. Flotation I have found the Condor to perform favorably in the variety of snow conditions that I experience while backpacking in the Colorado high country. The load rating for Condor 35 is adequate for a large man (I am 195 pounds) and a fully loaded backpack (mine averages 55 pounds), even in deep Rocky Mountain Champaign (powder) snow. The other Condor models are of a similar construction and are distinctive only by size, allowing for load selection. The tail is reminiscent of the traditional Michigan snowshoe and aids in maintaining a straight track. Summary I have been snowshoeing and backpacking for over 30 years. In that time I have not experienced a shoe that worked nearly as well overall for backpacking and moderate climbing.

Similar Products Used:

Tubbs MTN 36, Atlas 1033